KUALA LUMPUR: United Nations Security Council (UNSC) veto power should be banned in cases of mass atrocities until it can be abolished, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that the UNSC decision-making processes require broader support from both permanent and non-permanent members and should be subject to ratification by the General Assembly through a simple majority. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed that the veto power has paralysed the council, and the lack of representation from regions such as Africa and Latin America reflects a bygone era. He noted that instead of being a vehicle for action, the Security Council has too often become an instrument of deadlock, with consequences evident in places like Gaza, the persecution of the Rohingya, and the war in Ukraine. These remarks were made during his keynote address at the Common Action Forum (CAF) 2024. The Prime Minister highlighted that the world stands at a critical juncture for global justice, stating that Israel's actions against Palestinians undermine the foundations of the global order. He described war crimes, collective punishment, and genocide as blatant affronts to the norms of international law and fundamental human rights. Anwar further emphasized Malaysia's advocacy at the UN for bold, immediate steps, starting with an arms embargo on Israel. He suggested that the severity of Israel's actions warrants more, including a global consensus towards suspending or even expelling Israel from the UN. UNSC reform is one of the key areas proposed by Anwar that urgently needs to be reformed for a more equitable world. Other areas include the international financial architecture, international trading system, climate finance, and climate justice. At the UNSC Debate in New York in September, Malaysia made a strong appeal to limit the use of veto power in the UNSC, stressing that the unchecked use of veto has obstructed peace efforts, particularly in the case of Palestine.